URGENT UPDATE: Imani Dia Smith, a former child star from Broadway’s The Lion King, has tragically died after a stabbing incident in Edison, New Jersey. The 26-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds at a residence on Grove Avenue early Sunday morning, December 21, 2023, according to local authorities.
Smith was discovered at approximately 9:18 a.m. and was quickly transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that this incident was not “a random act of violence,” indicating a connection between Smith and the suspect.
In a shocking development, police have arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, a 35-year-old man, and charged him with first-degree murder among other offenses. Authorities emphasize that Jackson-Small is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He is currently held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
The family of Imani Smith expressed their heartbreak in a statement shared through a GoFundMe page organized by her aunt. They described her as “a vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person” who had her whole life ahead of her. Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son, along with parents, siblings, and extended family.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as friends and fans remember Smith for her bright spirit and talent. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover more details surrounding the relationship between Smith and Jackson-Small.
As the story develops, follow updates for more information on the investigation and the community’s response to this devastating loss.
